Newsboys (sometimes stylized as newsboys ) is a Grammy Award-nominated Christian pop rock band. The band was formed in Australia in 1985 and has been one of the most popular and best-selling Christian music artists of the past two decades.

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History

1980s

Newsboys' original core members, bassist Sean Taylor, vocalist John James, and drummer Peter Furler, formed the band in Mooloolaba, Queensland in 1985 along with Furler's guitarist school mate, George Perdikis. The band's original name was The News , but once in the U.S. they changed it to The Newsboys to avoid conflict with the U.S.-based band Huey Lewis and the News. The band came to the United States in late 1987 after getting signed with Refuge Communications, and released the album Read All About It in 1988 in the United States.

1990s

After signing with Star Song Communications, they released two more albums from 1990 to 1991: Hell Is For Wimps and Boys Will Be Boyz . None of the three albums garnered much attention, and the band's lineup changed with every release.

It wasn't until their 1992 album, Not Ashamed (containing a re-make of the DeGarmo & Key hit "Boycott Hell"), that the band gained notice in the Christian music scene. The title track of the album became a huge hit on Christian radio and elevated the band's profile considerably. Notably, Steve Taylor, a quirky singer-songwriter and producer well-known within the Christian music community, began a partnership with the band, producing the band's record and writing most of the lyrics for their songs; Furler remained the band's primary songwriter.

In 1994, amidst continued lineup changes (which included mainstays Jody Davis and Duncan Phillips), the band released Going Public , their fifth album and first smash success. The record proved to be a watershed for the group, winning a Dove Award for "Rock album of the Year" in 1995 ^[1]. It also produced #1 hits such as "Spirit Thing", "Let It Rain", and, most notably, "Shine". "Shine" quickly became an enormous hit and one of the most recognizable songs in Christian music, also taking the 1995 Dove for "Rock Recorded Song of the Year". In 2006, CCM Magazine listed "Shine" in the top ten in its ranking of the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian music. Going Public turned Newsboys into one of the top acts in Christian music.

The eagerly-anticipated follow-up, Take Me To Your Leader (1996), did not disappoint fans, either. The additions of Philip Joel Urry and Jeff Frankenstein finalized a regular roster of musicians for the band and generally showcased a bigger rock sound than in past projects. Because of the large size of the band, their concerts were full of energy with various members trading instruments as well as introducing Peter's rotating drum set. The album produced more #1 hits: "God Is Not A Secret", "Reality", "Breakfast", and the title track. This album also snagged the group's third Dove, this time for "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year" ^[2]. The album solidified the band's place in the Christian music industry.

In late 1997, John James announced he would be leaving the band to become a pastor and author, however in truth he had found himself addicted to alcohol and cocaine, and had had several extramarital affairs. ^[3] Despite the loss of the longtime frontman, the band pressed on. Furler easily switched from drums to vocals as he had co-led vocals on past albums and tours. Duncan Phillips, who had previously played keyboards and percussion for the band decided to try the drums even though the position had already verbally been granted to Jesse Sprinkle of Poor Old Lu fame. From 1998 to 2003, the band's lineup of Furler, bassist Phil Joel, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, and Phillips stayed constant. Often, at concerts and festivals the band played "Breakfast" as the final song. It was customary for fans to purchase boxes of Cap'n Crunch and throw the cereal onto the stage, cued by "And Captain Crunch is waving farewell". A Cap'n Crunch fight between band members would ensue.

When Newsboys released its first post-James record, Step Up to the Microphone (1998), it quickly became clear that the band's popularity was still intact; the album sold well and produced, among other hits, the ubiquitous hit "Entertaining Angels", whose video won the 1999 Dove for "Short Form Music Video of the Year" ^[4]. During the resulting "Step Up To The Microphone" tour, the band featured the drums on a rotating platform that would tilt downward up to 90 degrees. There were two sets of drums and Peter Furler (the original drummer) and Duncan Phillips would wear seat belts and have a rotating drum-off. This feature is still used on their tours and has grown to be quite popular.

The band returned in 1999 with the oddly-titled Love Liberty Disco , the band's only album to significantly deviate from their pop rock sound. Featuring 60's era-inspired pop and disco, the album delivered radio single hits such as "Beautiful Sound", "Good Stuff", and "Love Liberty Disco".

In 1999 Peter Furler co-founded Inpop Records with Wes Campbell, as an independent contemporary Christian music record label. The label is also affiliated with Every Nation, a group the Newsboys have significant links to (Furler is a member of Bethel World Outreach Center, an Every Nation church).

2000s

In 2000, Newsboys helped start and headlined the annual, traveling CCM festival Festival Con Dios with Audio Adrenaline and The O.C. Supertones. The festival was known for featuring popular Christian bands and for its motocross stunts.

Also in 2000, Newsboys released a greatest hits compilation, Shine: The Hits , which did not include any songs from the Love Liberty Disco album but included four new songs, two of which ("Joy" and "Who") went to #1. The band did not release any all new material until the spring of 2002 when they released Thrive . Featuring a return to pop-rock, the album also showcased one of the band's biggest hits: "It Is You".

The success of the worshipful "It Is You" perhaps paved the way for Newsboys' first praise and worship album in 2003: Adoration: The Worship Album . The album soon became the band's best-selling to date, based on the strength of singles "He Reigns" and "You Are My King (Amazing Love)". Late in 2003, guitarist Jody Davis left the band to care for his sick daughter, Bethany; he was replaced by Bryan Oleson, who agreed to be a temporary replacement until the band found a replacement for Davis.

The band returned in 2004 with another worship album: Devotion , led by the single, "Presence (My Heart's Desire)". The album was not nearly as successful as its predecessor, one reason arguably being the modest impact the singles had on Christian radio. In 2006, Bryan Oleson left the band to focus on his own band, Casting Pearls (presently VOTA). Paul Colman, a respected Australian Christian singer-songwriter and long-time personal friend of Peter Furler, replaced him as guitarist.

The Newsboys also co-authored a book with Jim Laffoon of Every Nation, published by Inspiro and released 1 November 2005 . ^[5] A daily teaching by Laffoon, was also given prominent space on the Newsboys' webpage. ^{[6] [7]}

The band's latest radio hits came in 2006 with a live version of "I Am Free" (originally written by Jon Egan of the Desperation Band), and "Wherever We Go". On 31 October 2006, Newsboys released their newest pop/rock record entitled GO , as well as an iTunes GO EP, including the songs "Wherever We Go", "GO", and "I Am Free". The album was the band's first under their new Inpop Records label, and received strong reviews, praising the group's return to its original rock sound. "GO" featured David Eri as a co-writer. Their songs "Something Beautiful" and "In Wonder" were big hits on Christian Radio. ^[8]

In December 2006, Phil Joel announced that he would leave the band to pursue his own projects and albums, bringing his time with the band to a close.

On 8 May 2007 the band released GO Remixed, a remix version of the "GO" album, comprised of new versions of almost all of the songs on the original album. It featured remixes by Tedd T., Jeff Frankenstein, Max Hsu of Superchick and Lee Bridges.

On 20 November 2007 the Newsboys released The Greatest Hits featuring newer songs like "Wherever We Go," "Something Beautiful," "It Is You," "Million Pieces," and "You Are My King," in addition to older songs "Reality," "Shine," and "Not Ashamed.". The eighteen-song CD also features two new songs "I Fought the La..." (which features the singing of "La's" by the crowd from the Six Flags St. Louis Newsboys Concert of the GO Tour), and "Stay Strong."

On 30 September 2008, Newsboys released Newsboys Live: Houston We Are GO a CD/DVD combo recording package of the Newsboys Go Tour.

Present

On 5 January 2009, Paul Colman announced he would be leaving the Newsboys to work on his own solo projects. At the same time it was announced that Jody Davis would return to the band, after a 5 year hiatus. “I am thrilled to be returning to the band and back with my bandmates, who are some of my best friends,” says Davis, “this is a big change in my life, and I’m looking forward to the tour and new record with excitement.” ^[9] Davis had been working in Yuma, Arizona, as a pipe maker.

Peter Furler, having toured with the Newsboys since the band began in 1985, decided to step back into a support role continuing as the band's primary songwriter and producer, focusing his professional career toward future Newsboys recordings. A replacement lead vocalist was required so the band could continue touring. On 9 March 2009, it was announced on the band's web site that Michael Tait, formerly of dc Talk, is the new lead singer. "Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Peter making special appearances throughout the year. Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional career toward future newsboys recordings." ^[10] Tait was described as an ideal candidate because of the fact that during the Newsboys first wave of popularity brought on by the Going Public album, dc Talk was at the height of their popularity as well with their Jesus Freak album. Many Newsboys fans of that era, were also fans of dc Talk, thus Tait had a similar fan base. On 18 March 2009, Michael Tait performed his first full concert as the lead singer of the Newsboys in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Newsboys newest studio album In the Hands of God released on 5 May 2009 on Inpop Records. Max Hsu (Superchick and tobyMac) produced the album. Steve Taylor co-wrote all the songs for the album, and sings on one song. ^[11] While Michael Tait contributes background vocals on the album, Peter Furler handles lead vocals.

Members

Current members

• Peter Furler (1985–present) Lead vocals, drums, guitars (still a band member, although no longer touring in order to focus on family and songwriting)
• Duncan Phillips (1993–present) Drums, percussion, formerly keyboards
• Jody Davis (1992–2003, 2009–present) Lead guitar, backing vocals
• Jeff Frankenstein (1994–present) Keyboards, synth bass, backing vocals
• Michael Tait (2009–present) Lead vocals

Former members

;Lead vocals

• John James (1985–1997) Left after admitting to drug and alcohol addiction.

;Guitar

• George Perdikis (1985–1987) Left the band before their first album, but co-wrote most of the songs on it.
• Phil Yates (1987–1989)
• Jonathan Geange (1990–1991, 1992) Returned to the band briefly after Vernon Bishop left, before Jody Davis joined.
• Vernon Bishop (1991–1992)
• Bryan Olesen (2003–2006) Was only a temporary replacement until the Newsboys could find a full-time lead guitarist not tied up with another project.
• Paul Colman (2006–2009) Left to work on his solo career.

;Bass guitar

• Sean Taylor (1985–1992) Left to pursue a career in education.
• Kevin Mills (1992–1996) Left the band to manage White Heart; Died in a motorbike accident on December 3, 2000.
• Phil Joel (1996–2006) Left band to pursue "personal interests", a solo career, and ministry opportunities.

;Keyboards

• Corey Pryor (1988, 1990–1993) Left to play with his wife in a band called SoZo.

Major tours

• Not Ashamed Tour (1993) (W/Code of Ethics and Tony Vincent)
• Going Public Tour (1995)
• Take Me to Your Leader Tour (1996–97) (with Plankeye and Geoff Moore and the Distance)
• Counter the Culture Tour (1997)
• Step Up to the Microphone Tour (with Third Day) (1999)
• LoveLibertyDisco AirDome Tour (2000) (with SONICFLOOd and Beanbag)
• Festival Con Dios (2001)
• Thrive-It's All In the Word Tour (2002) (with Superchick)
• Festival Con Dios (2003)
• Adoration Tour (2004) (with Jeremy Camp and Rebecca St. James)
• Winter Jam Tour (2006)
• GO Tour (2007) (with Kutless and Stellar Kart)
• GO Tour "Encore" (2nd GO Tour with Kutless and Newworldson) (2007)
• GO Tour "Finale" (3rd and final installment of the GO Tour)w/ Rush of Fools, Newworldson and Article One (2008)
• Winter Jam Tour (2008)
• Join the Tribe Tour (2009 February–May, with DecembeRadio, VOTA and Bread of Stone)
• The Way We Roll Tour (2009–2010 [to be started])

Discography

Studio albums

• Read All About It (1988)
• Hell Is for Wimps (1990)
• Boys Will Be Boyz (1991)
• Not Ashamed (1992)
• Going Public (1994)
• Take Me to Your Leader (1996)
• Step Up to the Microphone (1998)
• Love Liberty Disco (1999)
• Thrive (2002)
• Adoration: The Worship Album (2003)
• Devotion (2004)
• Go (2006)
• In the Hands of God ^[12] (2009)
• Untitled (end 2009-2010)

Remix albums

• Newsboys Remixed (2002)
• GO Remixed (2007)

Compilation albums

• Shine: The Hits (2000)
• He Reigns: The Worship Collection (2005)
• The Greatest Hits (2007)
• The Ultimate Collection (2009)

Live albums

• ''Houston We Are GO (2008)

Singles

Year	Single	Album	Hot Christian Songs Peak	Hot Christian AC Peak	Spins (since 1998) source: Mediabase
1988	"I Got Your Number"	Read All About It			4
1990	"All I Can See"	Hell Is for Wimps
	"In the End"
	"Ten Thousand Miles"
1991	"Simple Man"
	"One Heart"	Boys Will Be Boyz
	"Kingdom Man"
	"Stay With Me"
	"Israel"
	"You and Me"
1992	"I'm Not Ashamed"	Not Ashamed			20,865
1993	"Where You Belong"/"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"				886
	"Upon This Rock"
	"I Cannot Get You Out of My System"
	"Strong Love"				227
	"Dear Shame"
1994	"Be Still"	Going Public			1,494
	"Shine"				39,018
1995	"Let It Rain"				56
	"Spirit Thing"				2,475
	"Real Good Thing"				89
	"Truth and Consequences"				214
	"Going Public"				31
	"Reality"	Take Me to Your Leader			1,748
1996	"Take Me to Your Leader"				1,038
	"Let It Go"				724
	"Breakfast"				6,108
1997	"Breathe (Benediction)"				73
	"It's All Who You Know"				4
	"God Is Not a Secret"				121
	"Cup O' Tea"				6
1998	"Entertaining Angels"	Step Up to the Microphone			9,887
	"Believe"				3,114
	"Step Up to the Microphone"				503
	"Woo Hoo"				615
	"Hallelujah"				144
	"Truth Be Known - Everybody Gets a Shot" (video only)				7
	"Shine 2000" (remix)	Entertaining Angels EP
	"Not Ashamed" (remix)
1999	"Love Liberty Disco"	Love Liberty Disco			992
2000	"Beautiful Sound"				19,019
	"I Surrender All" / "Good Stuff" (released as a double A-side single, with the former geared towards AC radio, and the latter towards the CHR/Rock format, which ended up as the bigger hit )				90 ("I Surrender All") 288 ("Good Stuff")
	"Joy"	Shine: The Hits			31,120
2001	"Mega-Mix"				653
	"Who?"				7,511
	"God Is Not a Secret" (featuring TobyMac)				41
	"Praises"				185
2002	"It Is You"	Thrive			56,726
	"Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)"				42,003
	"John Woo"				78
	"Live In Stereo"				7
	"The Fad of the Land"				5
	"Giving It Over"				5
	"In the Belly of the Whale" (featuring Steve Taylor)	Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie Soundtrack			49
2003	"He Reigns"	Adoration: The Worship Album	4	6	106,102
	"You Are My King (Amazing Love)"		1	1	85,794
	"In Christ Alone"
	"Adoration" (possibly not a radio single, but received enough airplay to make it on the charts during the Christmas season)		34	31	2,460
2004	"Presence (My Heart's Desire)"	Devotion	4	4	46,763
	"Devotion"		16	16	18,173
	"Blessed Be Your Name" (featuring Rebecca St. James)				404
	"Strong Tower"				103
2006	"I Am Free" (Live)	GO	11	11	24,485
	"Wherever We Go"		3	15	18,732
2007	"Something Beautiful"		4 (#5 of 2007)	6	37,823
	"In Wonder"		4	5+	29,312
2008	"Yo Ho Hero" (featuring Steve Taylor)	The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie Soundtrack
	"Stay Strong"	The Greatest Hits	19	20	11,225
2009	"In the Hands of God"	In the Hands of God	5	4	24,061
	"Glorious"

Extended Plays

Year	Title	Label
1998	Entertaining Angels EP	Star Song
2002	''It Is You Pre-Order EP	Sparrow Records
2003	8 Great Hits	Sparrow Records/EMI CMG
2006	GO EP	Inpop Records/EMI CMG

DVDs and Videos

Year	Title	Label
1991	Boys Will Be Boyz (NTSC/VHS)	Star Song
1993	Not Ashamed: The Video (NTSC/VHS)	Star Song
1996	Down Under the Big Top (NTSC/VHS)	Star Song
1999	Live One Night In Pennsylvania (NTSC/VHS)	Sparrow Records
2000	Shine: The Hits Live One Night in Pennsylvania (DVD)	Sparrow Records
2002	Thrive: From The Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame (DVD)	Sparrow Records
2008	Newsboys Live: Houston We Are GO (CD/DVD) (DVD)	inpop Records

Music videos

Year	Title
1990	"Simple Man"
1991	"One Heart" (shot at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK)
	"Kingdom Man"
1992	"I Cannot Get You Out of My System"
1993	"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Where You Belong)"
	"Dear Shame"
1994	"Shine"
1996	"Take Me To Your Leader"
1998	"Entertaining Angels"
1999	"Love, Liberty, Disco"
2000	"Truth Be Known (Everybody Gets a Shot)"
2002	"Million Pieces"
	"In the Belly of the Whale" (for the Veggie Tales movie Jonah)
2003	"He Reigns"
2008	"Something Beautiful"

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

• 1992 Nomination for Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album
• *Not Ashamed
• 1994 Nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album
• *Going Public
• 1996 Nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album
• *Take Me to Your Leader
• 2003 Nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
• *Adoration: The Worship Album

Dove Awards

• 1994 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
• *"I Cannot Get You Out of My System"
• 1995 Award for Rock Album of the Year
• *Going Public
• 1995 Award for Rock Recorded Song of the Year
• *"Shine"
• 1995 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
• *"Shine"
• 1995 Nomination for Group of the Year
• *Newsboys
• 1996 Nomination for Song of the Year
• *"Shine"
• 1997 Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
• *Take Me to Your Leader
• 1997 Nomination for Rock Album of the Year
• *Take Me to Your Leader
• 1997 Nomination for Rock Recorded Song of the Year
• *"God Is Not a Secret"
• 1997 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
• *"Take Me to Your Leader"
• 1999 Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year
• *"Entertaining Angels"
• 1999 Nomination for Song of the Year
• *"Entertaining Angels"
• 1999 Nomination for Rock Album of the Year
• *Step Up to the Microphone
• 1999 Nomination for Group of the Year
• *Newsboys
• 2000 Nomination for Long Form Music Video of the Year
• *One Night in Pennsylvania
• 2001 Award for Special Event Album of the Year
• *City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise (Various Artists, including Peter Furler's "Unified")
• 2001 Nomination for Short Form Music Video of the Year
• *"Love Liberty Disco"
• 2003 Nomination for Long Form Music Video of the Year
• *Thrive: Live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• 2004 Nomination for Group of the Year
• *Newsboys
• 2004 Nomination for Praise & Worship Album of the Year
• *Adoration: The Worship Album
• 2004 Nomination for Song of the Year
• *"He Reigns"
• 2004 Nomination for Worship Song of the Year
• *"He Reigns"
• 2005 Nomination for Praise & Worship Album of the Year
• *Devotion
• 2007 Award for Artist of the Year
• *Newsboys
• 2008 Nomination for Album Of the Year
• * Go:Remixed

Billboard Music Video Awards

• 1999 Award for Best CCM Video
• *"Entertaining Angels"

Intl. Angel Awards

• 1995 Award for Video
• *"Shine"
• 1999 Award for Video
• *"Entertaining Angels"

Nashville Music Awards

• 1999 Award for Favorite CCM Album
• *Step Up to the Microphone
• 2000 Nomination for Contemporary Christian Album of the Year
• *Love Liberty Disco

SESAC Awards

• 2000 Award for Christian Songwriter of the Year
• *Peter Furler

References

1. 1995 Dove Awards
2. 1997 Dove Awards
3. John James: The Newsboys Ex-lead Singer Speaks About His Fall And Restoration
4. 1999 Dove Awards
5. Amazon.co.uk: Our Daily Blog: Devotions by Pastor Jim Laffoon: Books: Jim Laffoon,Newsboys
6. Web Archive of Newsboys site from March 13, 2005
7. Newsboys web site
8. 2007 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs, R&R magazine, Retrieved 6 January 2008
9. JODY DAVIS RETURNS TO NEWSBOYS!
10. MICHAEL TAIT TO JOIN NEWSBOYS
11. Christianity Today: Peter Unfurled
12. http://www.newsboys.com/news.html